EXCHANGE

12.18.11

Israel Releases 550 Palestinian Prisoners

Adel Hana / AP Photo

Israel freed 550 inmates on Sunday—the second phase of the deal that freed Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit. The deal was signed in October between Israel and Hamas, which released Shalit in exchange for more than 1,000 Palestinians in Israeli jails. In October, 477 prisoners were released as part of phase one of the deal. Palestinian brigade spokesman Abu Obieda said, “It’s a great accomplishment, but it’s not the end. We will work toward liberating all our prisoners.”